THEY might sell items for thrifty prices but a Straddie opportunity shop team have raised big to help the island’s Volunteer Marine Rescue base buy a replacement boat.
A cheque for $10,000 was presented to VMR volunteer Doug Fraser earlier this month by Anglican Archdeacon for Moreton, The Vererable Denise Ferguson, on behalf of St Mark’s Anglican thrift shop’s volunteer team.
A North Stradbroke VMR spokesperson said the money would be used to help kit out a 10.8 metre a rigid inflatable boat ordered to replace the base’s old Noosa Cat vessel.
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“This new boat will replace the current 18-year-old Noosa Cat and will be used to serve both the boating community, and, very importantly, the community and visitors to Straddie who require medical (transport) off the island,” the spokesperson said.
The patrol and rescue boat is designed to navigate rough conditions, including bar crossings, with extra space to accommodate a stretcher and patients.
Last year, North Stradbroke Island VMR conducted 122 medical evacuations and were called out 48 times for water assists.
To donate to North Stradbroke Island VMR, visit here.